Review Information
- Reviewed by: Jack Beurge
- Review type: Research-based review
- Testing status: Not personally tested by SAWOFF — based on manufacturer documentation, reputable sources, and documented owner-reported patterns
- Published: October 3, 2026 · Updated: October 3, 2026
Information in this review is labeled as one of four types: 🧪 SAWOFF hands-on test, 🏭 manufacturer specification, 📚 research from reputable sources (including documented owner-reported patterns), or 🧠 editorial assessment. See our testing methodology and editorial policy.
Chainsaw prices in 2026 — TL;DR
| Segment | Price range | Example picks |
|---|---|---|
| Corded electric | $80–$180 | Greenworks 10A, Oregon CS1500 |
| Battery homeowner | $100–$300 | Worx WG322, DeWalt 20V Max XR |
| Battery prosumer | $300–$700 | EGO CS1804, Milwaukee M18 Fuel 16, Stihl MSA 220 |
| Gas homeowner | $200–$400 | Stihl MS 170/180, Husqvarna 120 Mark II, Echo CS-310/CS-400 |
| Gas farm & ranch | $400–$650 | Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss, Echo CS-490, Husqvarna 455 Rancher |
| Pro gas | $700–$1,500+ | Stihl MS 261/362/500i/661/881, Husqvarna 550 XP/572 XP/3120 XP |
Verdict: most homeowners overpay for pro displacement. A 40–50cc farm saw (MS 271, CS-490) cuts 90% of firewood at half the running cost of a 70cc+ pro saw.
Stihl vs Husqvarna vs Echo — same class, real prices
Homeowner 35–42cc gas
| Model | Engine | Bar | Street price | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stihl MS 170 | 30.1cc | 12–16” | ~$219 | 2 yr (4 yr with MotoMix) |
| Husqvarna 120 Mark II | 38.2cc | 14–16” | ~$229 | 2 yr |
| Echo CS-400 | 40.2cc | 16–18” | ~$329 | 5 yr consumer |
Winner on value: Echo CS-400 — magnesium crankcase and 5-year warranty for ~$100 more. Full test: Echo CS-400 review.
Farm & ranch 50–60cc gas
| Model | Engine | Bar | Street price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss | 50.2cc | 18–20” | ~$479 |
| Echo CS-490 | 50.2cc | 18–20” | ~$399 |
| Husqvarna 455 Rancher | 55.5cc | 18–20” | ~$459 |
Winner on value: Echo CS-490 — ~$80 cheaper than MS 271, 3 lb lighter than Timber Wolf class. Full test: Echo CS-490 review.
Battery flagship
| Model | Voltage | Bar | Kit price |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt 20V Max XR | 20V | 12” | ~$229 |
| Greenworks Pro 60V | 60V | 18” | ~$349 |
| Stihl MSA 300 C-O | 36V AP | 14–16” | ~$700–$900 |
See the full rankings: Best electric chainsaws 2026 and Best chainsaws 2026.
Why prices differ
- Crankcase: pro saws use magnesium vertically-split cases (rebuildable); farm saws use polymer clamshells.
- Engine management: M-Tronic / AutoTune adds ~$150 over carb models.
- Battery platform: AP/AK batteries are $150–$300 alone — kit vs bare-tool pricing explains most battery price gaps.
- Dealer assembly: Stihl prices include dealer assembly, test-run and elevation tuning; box-store brands do not.
- Warranty: Echo 5-year consumer vs Stihl/Husqvarna 2-year (4-year with oil promo).
Methodology
Prices collected September–October 2026 from authorized dealer lists and major retailers, cross-checked against manufacturer documentation. Where a saw was not hands-on tested, the assessment is labeled research-based per our testing methodology. Full price methodology: Stihl price list 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a good chainsaw cost in 2026?
Homeowner electric saws cost $100–$250, mid-range gas saws $300–$550 (e.g. Stihl MS 271, Echo CS-490), and pro saws $700–$1,500+ (e.g. Stihl MS 500i, Husqvarna 572 XP). Battery platforms add $100–$200 per spare battery.
Is Stihl more expensive than Husqvarna?
At entry level they are neck-and-neck (MS 170 ~$219 vs Husqvarna 120 Mark II ~$229). In the pro tier Stihl typically costs 5–10% more than the equivalent Husqvarna, offset by denser dealer support.
Are Echo chainsaws cheaper than Stihl?
Yes, Echo is typically 15–25% cheaper than equivalent Stihl/Husqvarna models (e.g. Echo CS-400 vs Husqvarna 440) and includes a 5-year consumer warranty, making it the value pick for homeowners.
What is the cheapest reliable chainsaw?
For light pruning the Worx WG322 20V (~$100) and Greenworks 10A corded (~$90) are cheapest. For gas reliability on a budget, the Poulan Pro PR4218 (~$230) and Echo CS-310 are the lowest-priced saws we recommend.
Do listed prices include bar and chain?
Yes, Stihl, Husqvarna and Echo list prices normally include a standard bar and chain (usually 16 or 18 inches). Longer bars, spare chains, and spare batteries cost extra.
